DILG forms task force to enforce rules on amusement parks

Interior Secretary Ricardo Puno formed Thursday a task force that would look into the safety and compliance with fire safety standards of amusement parks in the country. On the directive of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Puno said the task force would ensure that all recreation parks and fairs offering carnival rides to the public are complying fully with public safety measures and fire safety standards. The formation of the task force was triggered by the death of a 13-year-old girl who jumped from the Wild River ride inside the Star City theme park in Pasay City. The fatal accident was soon followed by a three-year-old boy who was reportedly traumatized after his junior bump car emitted smoke. Puno said his department will step up its inspection of amusement rides, amid the anticipated increase in the number of people who will visit recreational parks during the holiday season. Mario Corpus, DILG undersecretary for public safety will head the task force, while representatives from the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Philippine National Police will sit as members. The task force will coordinate with the building official in every local government unit in inspecting amusement parks. Corpus said the task force will ensure that all recreational parks have put in place adequate safety measures and fully complied with building, licensing, and fire safety regulations. He said his team would also look into the crowd control measures being implemented by amusement parks. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV